European Research Council grants €632 million to researchers to tackle big scientific questions

The European Research Council (ERC) announced today the winners of the latest round of Consolidator Grants, aimed at supporting mid-career researchers to establish their teams and conduct pioneering research across all scientific disciplines. As part of the EU's Horizon Europe programme, 313 researchers will receive some €632 million to explore a variety of scientific questions. They will try to find out, for example, how to boost the security of computer software, what can be learnt from the history of diplomacy in South East Europe, how to treat heart arrhythmias, or how to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society by leveraging social tipping dynamics. This new round of grants will create an estimated 1,900 jobs for postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and other staff at 189 host institutions. Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “The results of this European Research Council grant competition are a testament to the impressive excellence of European research. I am proud that the EU can help top researchers thrive in Europe. Finding new solutions in the fields of energy, health or digital technologies is only possible if we can attract and keep scientific talent. Congratulations to all the grantees!” The grantees represent 42 nationalities and will carry out their projects at universities and research centres across 24 EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. In this latest call, 2,652 applicants submitted proposals and 12% of them will receive the funding. Male and female applicants were equally successful in winning the grants. More information is available in this ERC press release.